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WHAT IS CLONING?
Clone means a colony of genetically
identical individuals/ organisms. Clones are commonly available in plants
through vegetative propagation i.e. regenerating a complete plant from a small
cutting (e.g. Rose cutting). In animal kingdom, development of clones like natural
cloning in the form of identical twins arise due to halving of a
single embryo at an early stage of development. Recent experiments in sheep,
mice and other animals have shown that it is possible to produce more number of
clones by separation of cells from the early embryos (blastocyst stage).
Over the last decade, there have been
several reports of successful nuclear transfer experiments (transfer of nucleus
of a donor cell into unfertilized oocytes whose nucleus has been removed
experimentally) in mammals. The famous DOLLY sheep was developed from the
nucleus of an adult somatic cell taken from mammary gland of an adult sheep by
Wilmut and his colleagues.
IMPLICATIONS
OF RESEARCH IN CLONING
In animals, the major utility of research
in cloning is to propagate the genetically elite stock having commercial importance. Further, it promises to provide
great benefit in terms of improved livestock with desirable characteristics
like disease resistance and higher productivity, improved means of producing
pharmaceutical proteins and prospects for regeneration and repair of human
tissues/ organs. Besides, cloning may
be the answer to preserving endangered species and possibly reserving species
that are already extinct.
In human beings, on the one hand we can
generate the copies of Noble Laureates (like Hargobind Khurana, Rabindra Nath
Tagore, C V Raman etc.) and enlightened
personalities of different spheres; on the other hand there is a fear of
creation of multiple copies of Osama Bin Ladens, Hitlers and alike. However,
still there are many obstacles, which prevent the widespread use and
commercialization of cloning technology. There are still problems of low
pregnancy rates and incidence of health problems in cloned offspring. For
example, clone Dolly sheep suffered from
arthritis. Further, the cost of production of clones is prohibitive.
CLONING -
SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE
What is the spiritual explanation for
Clones? One of the most often asked questions is whether genetically alike
clones have alike souls? No. We all know that identical twins born to same
parents have different temperaments, different
behavioral patterns and evince varied responses to different life
situations and hence have different souls. Like the twins, the clones also do
not have alike souls. Further, it may be clarified that the differences among
individuals (phenotypes) are due to genetic and environmental causes of
variation. Even if clones are genetically identical, their phenotypic expression is modified with the change in
environment.
CONCEPT OF
SPIRITUAL CLONING
Spiritual clone is a new term. What are spiritual clones? We may define Spiritual Clones as a group of people (souls) who are genetically different but spiritually and consciously almost alike (not 100 per cent alike). The clones in the spiritual/ religious realm can be classified into two categories viz. Divine and Devil.
The Divine Clones, according to Godly knowledge are the 108 noble, pious, viceless, enlightened souls of Vijaymala (Rosary of Victorious Souls). These are enlightened, like-minded souls who have assimilated the tenets of Godly Knowledge in such a comprehensive way that their attitude and ideology towards the suffering world, aptitude for solving day-to-day problems and concern for upliftment of the society at large are very much identical. On the other hand, the 101 Kauravas (Duryodhan, Dushasan, Durmukh, Dushkaran etc.) of Mahabharat fame may be regarded as the Devil clones.
Currently, God
Father Shiva is creating Divine Clones (not in the strict sense) by
transmitting the gist of Spiritual Knowledge and Easy Rajyoga to souls.
ETHICAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Potential applications of the animal/ human cloning technology has led to many ethical and moral concerns. At this juncture, we may not be able to predict all potential applications of a new technology. It is conjectured that most of the applications will be beneficial but there is a lurking fear of technologies being misused in one way or another.
Medical science has improved life expectancy of humans. Many other benefits of the biotechniques can be cited. Nonetheless, we have the responsibility of being watchful and vigilant to the emerging technologies so that irreparable damage is not done to the society.
You are whole heartedly welcome to
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya
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